2026 Best Value Mining Engineering Schools

1

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology
Socorro, NM

For return on investment in mining engineering, no school beat New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology this year. New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Socorro. Students from in state pay about $9,476 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,247 for out-of-state students. Mining Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,747 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mining engineering degree recipients from New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology generally make around $64,561. That is a strong return on a $18,747 median debt. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

A rank of #2 makes University Of Utah one of the best values for mining engineering. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Mining Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mining engineering degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $60,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

A rank of #3 makes West Virginia University one of the best values for mining engineering. Set in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $24,903 to complete the mining engineering program here. Early-career mining engineering graduates make about $85,897. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Rolla, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Missouri University Of Science And Technology earned it the #4 place for mining engineering. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Rolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical student debt for mining engineering graduates is $28,000. Mining Engineering graduates of Missouri University Of Science And Technology earn a median of $74,532 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mining engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete the mining engineering program here. Early-career mining engineering graduates make about $86,924. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

6

Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Butte, MT

Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #6 for value in mining engineering this year. Located in the town of Butte, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, with out-of-state students paying around $26,094. Mining Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,962 in student loans. Early-career mining engineering graduates make about $68,773. That is a strong return on a $23,962 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

7

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky earned the #7 position for value in mining engineering this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Mining Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Mining Engineering graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $49,568 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.

8

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology earned the #8 position for value in mining engineering this year. Located in the city of Rapid City, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Typical student debt for mining engineering graduates is $27,914. Soon after graduation, mining engineering degree recipients from South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology generally make around $90,514. Set against $27,914 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.

9

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #9 for value in mining engineering this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical student debt for mining engineering graduates is $20,907. Soon after graduation, mining engineering degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $74,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

10

Colorado School Of Mines
Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines earned the #10 position for value in mining engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Mining Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career mining engineering graduates make about $83,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.